Downing was in Classroom B1 when Anderson got here in and opened hearth, killing his spouse, Karen Elaine Smith, wounding Nolan Brandy, 9, and killing Jonathan.

Jonathan was born with Williams syndrome. It’s a genetic situation that impacts about 1 in 10,000 individuals worldwide, together with an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals in the USA. The syndrome causes heart problems — Jonathan had already undergone coronary heart surgical procedure throughout his brief life — together with developmental and studying delays.

Nevertheless it additionally makes youngsters with the syndrome social, pleasant and outgoing.

“He was such a sweetheart. The nicest child you’ll ever meet. So completely satisfied, so loving. In case you got here in his path, you knew Jonathan Martinez,” Downing stated.

Jonathan had solely been in her classroom because the starting of this faculty yr, however he made an influence on everybody in Classroom B1.

“Day by day, we might get ‘I really like you Ms. D, I really like you Ms. Smith,’ ” Downing stated. “He was a hugger, so affectionate, so candy. The happiest child you’d ever meet. At recess time, I’d sing songs to him, and he’d dance. That was his favourite factor. He’d say ‘Ms. D, sing the SpongeBob Track.’ ”

And shortly, everybody can be up and dancing.

“That was Jonathan, he was glad.”

He additionally beloved artwork, and commonly drew footage of himself and Downing.

“And I’m big and he’s tiny in all the photographs he drew.”

Downing believes Jonathan had a brilliant future forward of him earlier than Monday’s occasions.

“He was a really sensible child, the very best reader within the class.”